Choosing the right online Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (PNP-AC) program is a significant step in advancing your nursing career. The quality of the faculty profoundly impacts your learning experience and future success. At Duke University School of Nursing, our online MSN program boasts internationally recognized faculty dedicated to fostering a supportive and enriching learning environment. These experienced nurse practitioners bring real-world expertise into the virtual classroom, equipping you with the advanced knowledge and skills necessary to excel in pediatric acute care.
Margaret (Midge) T. Bowers, DNP, RN, FNP-BC, CHSE, A.A.C.C., FAANP, FAAN, a Professor at Duke, embodies the dedication and expertise you can expect from our faculty. Her extensive credentials and recognition as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners highlight her significant contributions to the field. Faculty like Dr. Bowers are committed to providing online students with the same high-quality education and mentorship as on-campus students.
Lisa Lewis, EdD, MSN, RN, CNE, an Associate Professor, further exemplifies our faculty’s commitment to excellence in nursing education. Her focus on nursing education itself, evidenced by her Certified Nurse Educator (CNE) credential, ensures that the online Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program is delivered with the most effective pedagogical approaches. This dedication to teaching excellence is crucial for online learning environments, where engagement and effective knowledge transfer are paramount.
Mitchell Knisely, PhD, RN-BC, ACNS-BC, FAAN, another Associate Professor, brings a wealth of research and clinical expertise to the program. His background as an Advanced Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult Health and his Fellowship in the American Academy of Nursing demonstrate a deep understanding of advanced nursing practice. This level of faculty expertise ensures that the online PNP-AC curriculum is grounded in the latest evidence-based practices and prepares graduates to be leaders in pediatric acute care.
Allison Stafford, PhD, RN, an Assistant Professor, represents the future of nursing leadership within our faculty. Her research-focused doctorate contributes to the program’s academic rigor and ensures that students are exposed to cutting-edge knowledge in the field. Having faculty actively engaged in research is a hallmark of a top-tier online Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program, providing students with a dynamic and evolving learning experience.
Shari Rushton, DNP, MS, RN, CCM, CNE, an Associate Professor, brings diverse experience with her certifications as a Case Manager (CCM) and Nurse Educator (CNE). This combination of clinical and educational expertise is invaluable in an online PNP-AC program, where students need to learn both the practical skills of acute care and the theoretical underpinnings of advanced practice nursing.
Kathryn Kreider, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, FAANP, a Professor, holds the Family Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified (FNP-BC) credential, showcasing her broad expertise in family-centered care, which is highly relevant to pediatric acute care. Her experience and FAANP designation highlight her leadership and impact in the nurse practitioner field, providing students with mentorship from a recognized leader.
Kathryn Trotter, DNP, CNM, FNP-C, CHSE, FAANP, FAAN, an Associate Professor, adds another layer of expertise with her Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) and Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE) credentials. Simulation is increasingly important in online nursing education, and having faculty with simulation expertise enhances the practical learning experiences within the online Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program.
Blanca Iris Padilla, PhD, MBA, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, FAANP, an Associate Professor, brings a unique blend of healthcare and business acumen with her MBA. This interdisciplinary perspective is valuable in today’s complex healthcare environment and enriches the educational experience for students in the online PNP-AC program, preparing them for leadership roles.
Valerie Sabol, PhD, MBA, ACNP, GNP, CHSE, CNE, ANEF, FAANP, FAAN, a Professor, holds multiple advanced practice certifications (ACNP, GNP) and educational credentials (CHSE, CNE, ANEF), demonstrating her comprehensive expertise in both acute and geriatric care, as well as nursing education. Her extensive qualifications underscore the depth of knowledge within the Duke online nursing faculty.
Maryellen Kelly, DNP, CPNP, MHSc, an Assistant Professor, is a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (CPNP), bringing specialized pediatric knowledge directly relevant to the online Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program. Her focus on pediatrics ensures that the program content is directly aligned with the needs of aspiring PNP-ACs.
Benjamin Smallheer, PhD, ACNP-BC, FNP-BC, CCRN, CNE, FAANP, an Associate Professor, with his Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) certification, adds a crucial dimension of critical care expertise to the faculty. This is particularly relevant for a Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program, where understanding critical care principles is essential.
Tara Albrecht, PhD, ACNP-BC, ACHPN, RN, an Associate Professor, brings expertise in hospice and palliative care (ACHPN), which, while seemingly distinct, offers valuable skills in managing complex and sensitive situations within pediatric acute care settings. This diverse faculty expertise broadens the learning horizons for online students.
Anne Derouin, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC, PMHS, FAANP, ANEF, a Professor, is also a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care (CPNP-PC), highlighting the continuum of pediatric care expertise within the faculty. Her specialization in primary care provides a valuable perspective on the preventative and long-term management aspects of pediatric health, complementing the acute care focus.
Desi Newberry, DNP, NNP-BC, an Associate Professor, is a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified (NNP-BC), bringing highly specialized knowledge in newborn and infant acute care. This specialized expertise within the faculty strengthens the program’s capacity to address the full spectrum of pediatric acute care needs.
Tonia Poteat, PhD, MPH, PA-C, AAHIVS, DFAAPA, a Professor and Physician Assistant-Certified (PA-C), offers an interprofessional perspective, enriching the learning environment by bringing in the collaborative aspects of healthcare delivery. This interdisciplinary approach is crucial for preparing future PNP-ACs to work effectively within diverse healthcare teams.
Ryan Shaw, PhD, RN, FAAN, an Associate Professor, with his research focus and FAAN designation, further strengthens the program’s commitment to evidence-based practice and academic excellence. His expertise contributes to the program’s rigorous curriculum and prepares graduates to be critical thinkers and leaders in the field.
Karin Reuter-Rice, PhD, CPNP-AC, FCCM, FAAN, an Associate Professor, is a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Acute Care (CPNP-AC). This direct and explicit expertise in pediatric acute care is invaluable to the program. Her FCCM (Fellow of Critical Care Medicine) credential further emphasizes her critical care expertise within pediatrics, making her a key faculty member for this specialized online program.
Kais Gadhoumi, PhD, an Assistant Professor, brings a strong research background to the faculty, contributing to the program’s scholarly environment. His research expertise enhances the curriculum and ensures that students are learning from faculty who are actively contributing to the advancement of nursing knowledge.
Marissa Abram, PhD, PMHNP-BC, CARN-AP, FIAAN, an Assistant Professor and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified (PMHNP-BC), highlights the importance of mental health considerations within pediatric acute care. Her expertise ensures that the program addresses the holistic needs of pediatric patients, including their mental and emotional well-being.
Margaret (Peggy) Bush, PhD, MBA, RPh, a Professor and Registered Pharmacist (RPh), provides a unique pharmacological perspective, crucial for students in an acute care setting where medication management is complex and critical. Her expertise enriches the curriculum by integrating essential pharmacological knowledge.
Devon Noonan, PhD, MPH, FNP-BC, CARN, FAAN, an Associate Professor, with her Family Nurse Practitioner and Certified Addictions Registered Nurse (CARN) credentials, brings a public health and addiction perspective, valuable in understanding the broader context of pediatric health and well-being.
Michelle Webb, DNP, RN, CHPCA, an Assistant Professor and Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Administrator (CHPCA), further emphasizes the importance of palliative care principles within pediatric acute care, ensuring students are prepared to provide compassionate care in all situations.
Michael Zychowicz, DNP, ANP, ONP, FAAN, FAANP, FNAON, a Professor with multiple NP certifications (ANP, ONP) and Fellowships (FAAN, FAANP, FNAON), exemplifies the highest level of achievement in nursing practice and education. His extensive credentials and leadership serve as an inspiration for students in the online PNP-AC program.
Kathleen Turner, DNP, RN, an Associate Professor, contributes to the breadth of expertise within the faculty, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience for students in the online Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program.
Brandon Knettel, PhD, an Assistant Professor with a research focus, adds to the program’s academic rigor and commitment to advancing nursing science through research and scholarship.
Amie Koch, DNP, FNP-C, RN, ACHPN, an Associate Professor with Family Nurse Practitioner and Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse credentials, reinforces the program’s commitment to holistic and compassionate patient care.
Ragan Johnson, DNP, FNP-BC, CNE, FAANP, an Associate Professor and Certified Nurse Educator, further strengthens the program’s educational expertise and commitment to effective online pedagogy.
Rémi Hueckel, DNP, CPNP-AC, CHSE, FAANP, an Associate Professor and Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Acute Care, is another faculty member with direct specialization in the program’s focus area. His CHSE credential also highlights the program’s strength in simulation-based learning.
Thomas Blodgett, PhD, RN, AGACNP-BC, an Assistant Professor and Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified (AGACNP-BC), provides a valuable comparative perspective between adult and pediatric acute care, enriching the learning experience.
Cristina Hendrix, DNS, GNP-BC, FNP, FAAN, an Associate Professor with Gerontological Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified (GNP-BC) expertise, adds depth in geriatric care principles, which are increasingly relevant in pediatric acute care for children with complex chronic conditions.
Elaine Kauschinger, PhD, ARNP, FNP-BC, FAANP, an Assistant Professor, contributes to the program’s strong foundation in family-centered care and advanced nursing practice leadership.
Sean Convoy, DNP, PMHNP-BC, an Associate Professor and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified, further emphasizes the program’s commitment to integrated mental health care within pediatric acute care.
AnnMarie Walton, PhD, RN, MPH, OCN, CHES, FAAN, an Associate Professor with expertise in Oncology Certified Nursing (OCN) and public health (MPH), brings a broad perspective on chronic illness and health promotion, valuable in the context of pediatric acute care.
Michael Cary, PhD, RN, an Associate Professor, contributes to the program’s research strength and commitment to evidence-based nursing practice.
Carolina Tennyson, DNP, ACNP-BC, AACC, an Assistant Professor and Acute Care Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified (ACNP-BC), provides another perspective on acute care, broadening the students’ understanding of advanced practice in different acute settings.
Schenita Randolph, PhD, MPH, RN, an Associate Professor with public health expertise (MPH), brings a population health perspective, crucial in understanding the broader determinants of pediatric health and illness.
Staci Reynolds, PhD, RN, ACNS-BC, CCRN, CNRN, CPHQ, FAAN, a Professor with multiple advanced certifications (ACNS-BC, CCRN, CNRN, CPHQ) and FAAN designation, demonstrates exceptional expertise in acute and critical care nursing, quality improvement, and nursing leadership.
Mary Lou Affronti, DNP, MHSc, RN, ANP, FAAN, a Professor and Adult Nurse Practitioner (ANP), contributes to the faculty’s broad expertise in advanced practice nursing and leadership in the field.
Alison Edie, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, FAANP, an Associate Professor and Family Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified, reinforces the program’s strong foundation in family-centered care principles.
Jennie De Gagne, PhD, DNP, RN, NPD-BC, CNE, ANEF, FAAN, a Professor with multiple educational certifications (NPD-BC, CNE, ANEF) and FAAN designation, showcases exceptional expertise in nursing professional development and education, ensuring a high-quality learning experience.
Marilyn Oermann, PhD, RN, ANEF, FAAN, a Distinguished Professor of Nursing, represents the pinnacle of nursing scholarship and leadership within the faculty. Her presence underscores the program’s commitment to academic excellence and national prominence in nursing education.
Malinda Teague, DNP, APRN, CPNP-AC/PC, an Assistant Professor and Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner with expertise in both Acute and Primary Care, directly aligns with the program’s focus. Her dual expertise provides a valuable perspective on the spectrum of pediatric nursing care.
Debra (Debbie) Travers, PhD, MSN, RN, FAEN, FAMIA, an Associate Consulting Professor with expertise in nursing informatics (FAMIA), brings a valuable technological perspective to the program, crucial in today’s digitally driven healthcare environment and online education.
Casey Brown, DNP, RN, AGPCNP-BC, AOCNP, an Assistant Professor and Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP), provides expertise in oncology nursing, which is relevant in pediatric acute care for children with cancer and hematological conditions.
Christina Leonard, APRN, DNP, FNP-C, CNL, an Assistant Professor and Family Nurse Practitioner-Certified, contributes to the program’s strong foundation in family-centered care and advanced practice nursing.
Kara McGee, DMS, MSPH, PA-C, AAHIVS, an Associate Professor and Physician Assistant-Certified, adds to the interprofessional perspective within the faculty, enriching the learning environment and preparing students for collaborative practice.
Sophia Smith, PhD, MSW, FAOSW, an Associate Professor with expertise as a Medical Social Worker (MSW) and Fellow of the Association of Oncology Social Work (FAOSW), highlights the psychosocial aspects of pediatric acute care and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration.
Deirdre Thornlow, PhD, RN, CPHQ, CNE, an Associate Professor and Certified Nurse Educator, further strengthens the program’s educational expertise and commitment to high-quality online learning.
Jacquelyn McMillian-Bohler, PhD, CNM, CNE, an Assistant Professor and Certified Nurse Midwife, brings a unique perspective on women’s and newborn health, which is relevant to the broader context of family-centered pediatric care.
Jamison (Jamie) Lord, DNP, MSN, RNC, PMHNP-BC, an Assistant Professor and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified, continues to emphasize the program’s integrated approach to mental and physical health in pediatric acute care.
Stephanie Ibemere, PhD, RN, an Assistant Professor, contributes to the program’s research strength and commitment to advancing nursing knowledge through scholarly inquiry.
Conclusion
Choosing Duke University’s online Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program means learning from a faculty of dedicated experts who are shaping the future of pediatric nursing. Their combined expertise, diverse backgrounds, and commitment to online education ensure you receive an unparalleled learning experience, preparing you to become a highly skilled and compassionate Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner. Explore our program further and take the next step in your advanced nursing career.
